Security increase reported after Tibet protests

BEIJING (AFP) - China is ramping up security in Tibetan areas after a spate of self-immolation protests just as Beijing holds a key political gathering, local residents and overseas rights groups said on Friday.

Armed police in paramilitary vehicles stepped up patrols in Tongren, in the northwestern province of Qinghai, after "thousands of protesters" gathered on the streets on Thursday, London-based Free Tibet said in a statement.

The protests came after six Tibetans set themselves on fire on Wednesday and Thursday, the rights group said.

Local residents in Tongren who were contacted by AFP said they witnessed no demonstrations but reported a stepped-up security presence.